Lead or leave its Misbah’s decision: Shaharyar Khan

Lahore, October 12, 2014 (PPI-OT): Pakistan cricket chief Sunday categorically said it will be Misbah-ul Haq’s decision to lead the one-day team until the World Cup or leave, but other names are into consideration as contingency plan.

Misbah withdrew himself from the third and final one-day international against Australia in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, after a poor runs of form and team’s four straight defeats in the 50-over format, leaving a big question mark on his one-day future.

He also managed just 67 runs in the 2-1 defeat in Sri Lanka and nought and 15 in two defeats against Australia in the current series. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had appointed Misbah as one-day captain until 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and reiterated its stance after team’s defeat in Sri Lanka in August.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said the decision to lead the one-day team rests on Misbah. “I told him, we appointed you till the World Cup,” Khan told media. “We were criticized for it and we will be now, even more, as he has not scored runs. But we remain totally firm that we have put our bandwagon behind him and you will lead.

“Clarity is that I or management have not influenced Misbah to step down, he has done it on his own, he is determined to return. I had a half hour chat with him. He says if I am back to form I would like to lead to the World Cup.

“If you yourself think your leadership will not deliver, then it is up to you. We will not push you out. This is the view of all three of us – Waqar Younis (coach) and Moin Khan (manager and chief selector).”

Khan said Misbah was determined to put things right. “Misbah is determined to put things right, if he does he is back but considered other names of course as a contingency plan,” said Khan. Allrounder Shahid Afridi, who Misbah replaced as captain in May 2011, led Pakistan in the final one-day and will remain as the top contender for World Cup in February-March.

Pakistan also plays New Zealand in the five-match one-day series in December this year. Khan said withdrawing from the third one-day on Sunday was Misbah’s own decision. “Misbah decided that he needed a break from the rather depressing scores he has had in Sri Lanka as well as here. The management also agreed that if you want to sit this out it is your decision.”

“No one coerced him into doing this. he himself decided that this is the right time for him to take a break and see if he can recover in the Tests.” “He is depressed at the fact that he hasn’t been scoring and I found it very noble on his part that he said if the day I get an idea that the team is suffering because of me, then I will myself say, let me go.

“Misbah says if I am back to form I would like to lead to the World Cup.” PCB said Misbah will lead the two Tests series against Australia which follows the one-day internationals. Misbah has so far led Pakistan in 76 one-day internationals, winning 40, losing 33 with two tied and one no result.